Spectrum Presents: The Comic Art of Frank Frazetta (Spectrum Fantastic Art)
[Goes on sale October 2007, by Arnie and Cathy Fenner. 128 pages, Hardcover $39.95, Deluxe Hardcover $59.95.]
Frank Frazetta's creative skill has been showcased in dozens of volumes of published work, but never before have his seminal comic book stories been collected into a retrospective volume. Whether thrilling, frightening, heartbreaking, or funny, the one constant in Frazetta's all-too-brief career in comics was that they were gorgeously drawn. Offering a rare glimpse of the master's creative process, The Comic Art of Frank Frazetta includes Thun'da, the only full-length comic Frazetta ever illustrated, all of his romance stories, and the last story he drew before embarking on a painting career.

Spectrum Presents Rough Work: Concept Art, Doodles, and Sketchbook Drawings by Frank Frazetta (Spectrum Fantastic Art)
[Goes on sale October 2007, by Frank Frazetta, edited by Arnie and Cathy Fenner. 128 pages, Hardcover, $19.95.]
Frank Frazetta has excelled in a wide variety of artistic formats, from fine art to paperback covers, comic books to record albums. His atmospheric worlds of sinewy superheroes, seductive sirens, and vivid monsters are wonderfully detailed, fully realized, and unmistakably his. This book gives fans an intimate glimpse of Frazetta's creative process by showcasing not only black-and-white and full-color drawings from his sketchbooks, but concept art as well, showing the artist's raw imagination and problem-solving skills. Printed on deluxe art paper and featuring personal and previously unpublished material, these “rough works” offer a fascinating look at how a modern master creates.

June 2007

Spider-Man: One More Day Sketchbook # 1 (Marvel)
[Goes on sale August 29, written by Jim McCann; art by and cover by Joe Quesada. 32 pages, $2.99.]
The hottest, most controversial storyline to hit Spider-Man is coming next month. Are you ready? Get into the mind of Marvel EiC, and One More Day artist, Joe Quesada for hints as to what lies in store for Peter. Also, as an added treat, Joe takes you through his personal sketchbook to see how he reinvented his style and gives a master class on penciling for comics today. This is a book no Spider-Man fan, aspiring artist, or anyone with a pulse can afford to miss!

Women of the DC Universe: Series 2: Wonder Woman Bust (DC Direct)
[Goes on sale January 16, 2008, Designed by Terry Dodson; Sculpted by Jack Mathews, $49.99.]
The popular WOMEN OF THE DC UNIVERSE line of cold-cast porcelain busts kicks off a new year with a new series of busts designed by illustrator Terry Dodson! Wonder Woman is first in the line, followed by seven more busts in 2008: Starfire, Cheetah, Batwoman, Silver Banshee, Wonder Girl, Catwoman and Huntress! This limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain busts measures approximately 5.5" tall x 3.75" wide x 2.5" deep and is packaged in a four-color box.

Baltimore, Or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire (Random House)
[Goes on sale August 2007, written by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden. 336 pages, $39.95.]
From celebrated comic artist Mike Mignola and award-winning novelist Christopher Golden comes a work of gothic storytelling like no other. Reminiscent of the illustrated tales of old, here is a lyrical, atmospheric novel of the paranormal—and a chilling allegory for the nature of war.
“Why do dead men rise up to torment the living?” Captain Henry Baltimore asks the malevolent winged creature. The vampire shakes its head. “It was you called us. All of you, with your war. The roar of your cannons shook us from our quiet graves…. You killers. You berserkers…. You will never be rid of us now.”
When Lord Henry Baltimore awakens the wrath of a vampire on the hellish battlefields of World War I, the world is forever changed. For a virulent plague has been unleashed—a plague that even death cannot end.
Now the lone soldier in an eternal struggle against darkness, Baltimore summons three old friends to a lonely inn—men whose travels and fantastical experiences incline them to fully believe in the evil that is devouring the soul of mankind.
As the men await their old friend, they share their tales of terror and misadventure, and contemplate what part they will play in Baltimore’s timeless battle. Before the night is through, they will learn what is required to banish the plague—and the creature who named Baltimore his nemesis—once and for all.

April 2007

The Boys Volume One (Dynamite)
[Goes on sale June 2007, written by Garth Ennis; art by Darick Robertson and Tony Avina; covers by Darick Robertson. 144 pages, $14.99.]
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT is proud to welcome Gath Ennis and Darick Robertson's The Boys as they present the first trade paperback collection of the comic book series everyone is talking about!! Collecting the first 6 issues of the controversial new series from PREACHER writer Garth Ennis and artist Darick Robertson (TRANSMETROPOLITAN)! Don't miss this dark, twisted look at superPowers, super - people, and the men and women who make sure the world's "heroes" never go too far. Also features an introuction from writer, actor and producer Simon Pegg, the creator and star of Shaun of the Dead, Spaced and the upcoming Hot Fuzz!

Captain America Symbol Navy T-Shirt (Marvel)
[Goes on sale June 2007, SM - XL $16.99, XXL $19.99.]
Navy shirt with the iconic Captain America symbol. 100% cotton, front image.

Shi Limited Edition Numbered and Signed Lithograph (Avatar)
[Goes on sale June 2007, $19.99.]
In conjunction with Billy Tucci, cover artist Michael Renzine gives you his interpretation of the iconic Shi. Produced on acid-free Howard Linen paper, this lithograph comes signed by artist Michael Renzine!

Joe's 2006 Picks

Joe's 2005 Picks